The latest episode of SmackDown emanated from the PPG Paints Arena and it featured several blockbuster matches and segments. With WrestleMania looming on the horizon, Triple H made sure to deliver another explosive show. The feuds and storylines shifted gears last night and WWE created a shocking title change that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The company also made two blockbuster matches official for The Show of Shows this week on SmackDown. It was an action-packed night and top stars like Randy Orton, Rhea Ripley, and Jelly Roll were all in the house to build their storylines for the annual spectacle. You expect nothing less from the shows, as we are in the final weeks of WrestleMania 42.
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Let’s take a look at five things Triple H got right on SmackDown this week:
#5. Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu to collide in an Unsanctioned Match
The rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu has transcended all the heights of ferocity. The two combustible elements will go to war against each other at WrestleMania 42 as announced this week on SmackDown. Nick Aldis made an official statement that McIntyre and Fatu will collide in a massive Unsanctioned Match at The Show of Shows.
Triple H made the right call by adding such a brutal stipulation to this match, as it was desperately needed. This rivalry has reached its apogee and only a stipulation could do justice to the two superstars. An Unsanctioned Match allows Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu to go extreme, using every weapon and hardcore elements to settle their grueling rivalry.
#4. Randy Orton’s mystery caller gets teased on SmackDown
For the past few weeks, Randy Orton has been talking over the phone with someone and this mystery has been building up suspense. WWE has been showcasing it as a major thing for the past few weeks. This week on SmackDown, The Viper was once again on a call with that very person and the interesting part was Orton saying “See you soon” to that caller.
WWE teased that the curtains would soon be lifted on the mystery and that the person talking to The Apex Predator would show up. Well, it was the right thing Triple H did. This not only builds excitement among fans but also creates a major talking point. Besides, it adds a layer of intrigue in the ongoing feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
#3. Jade Cargill humbles Rhea Ripley for two back-to-back weeks
Jade Cargill shocked the world last week on SmackDown by forging an unexpected alliance with Michin and B-Fab. They wreaked havoc on Rhea Ripley, making a bold statement. The WWE Universe got to see the same sight against this week as the newly-formed faction once again destroyed The Eradicator and stood tall over her motionless body.
This move was pretty much necessary to position Cargill and her new faction as a dominant force. It gave them a major momentum while showcasing Ripley as the underdog heading into her WWE Women’s Championship match against Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. It will be interesting to see whether Mami can take down The Storm’s faction before dealing with her.
#2. United States Title match booked for WrestleMania 42
The United States Championship picture saw a major upheaval this week on SmackDown. In a shocking twist, Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to win the coveted title. Whether this is the right move or wrong is debatable. However, the one positive to come out of the post-match was that the US Title match was officially confirmed for WrestleMania 42.
As soon as Sami Zayn won the coveted title, WWE announced that he is set to face Trick Williams at The Show of Shows. This was the best move, as the direction of that title was shrouded in uncertainty for the past few months. Triple H couldn’t have delayed it any further and the WrestleMania match getting official this week on SmackDown was the need of the hour.
#1. Pandemonium erupts between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton
The biggest highlight of this week’s Friday Night SmackDown was the main event, where fans witnessed a massive bedlam. Right after Randy Orton defeated Matt Cardona, Cody Rhodes made a stunning return. He went right after The Viper, bloodthirsty for revenge. The two superstars got involved in an ugly brawl that spilled all over the ringside.
The once best friends have now turned into bitter enemies as they pounded on each other. The security tried their best to separate Rhodes and Orton, but it went in vain. The two superstars turned the entire arena into a breeding ground of chaos, trying to tear each other apart. And this is how you build a WrestleMania main event. It was the perfect way to close the show.
Edited by Subhasish Deb
